Madagascar’s Jews aim for converts!
One of the world's newest and smallest communities is looking to expand by helping people fin d their 'true roots'
Madagascar is home to the world’s newest Jewish community.
The country was colonised by France, which introduced Christianity, now practised by more than 90 percent of its citizens. But, in recent years, a group of Malagasy people, led by Ashrey Dayves, believe Judaism was the original religion in Madagascar.
They have converted to Judaism and hope to get many others to join them and find their true roots.
Ashrey Dayves said: “First I was Catholic, I changed to Protestantism and I studied the Bible more and more.
I was thirsty for the truth and so I decided to change to another religion. I chose the form of Christianity that worships on Saturday, Shabbat. In the end, I decided it was not Judaism, true Judaism. It was like a cult because they used money on the Sabbath. So I left that group.”
The Malagasy Jews believe Judaism will bring change to their society. Dayves said: “There is corruption everywhere, problems everywhere. We believe Judaism will bring peace and prosperity to this country.”
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